The IMG grades were revealed yesterday with Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Hull FC leading the way with seven Grade As.
You would expect these clubs to be happy with the IMG gradings released this week whilst other clubs such as Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers and others will be unhappy.
However, even the top seven clubs aren’t all happy with some St Helens fans unhappy that Wigan are above them: “‘The Wigan Club’ don’t own their stadium and the vast majority of their success was against binmen and the local pub landlord. How do they score better than Saints on the criteria?”
One fan said that there could be some clubs might as well give up:
“Well, based on this I can understand why fans of certain clubs might call it a day and spend their Sundays at Ikea.”
Many were not happy: “Absolute load of rubbish this grading stuff. Some incentive for London as well next season when they’re 24th here and probably won’t stay in Super League no matter where they finish.”
One fan was defeated by the gradings: “What’s the point anymore? Virtually impossible for clubs who don’t receive sky funding to ever make SL. Just pull up the draw bridge and have done with it instead of this charade.”
Another simply said: “This is absolutely awful.”
Naturally, one Leigh fan bemoaned: “Challenge cup winners and the biggest talking point in the league last year below 2 championship clubs.
On London Broncos’ disappointing grading, one fan joked: “IMG: ‘London is a key area where we want to grow the sport’
“Also IMG: ‘Relegate London from Super League next season, despite them earning their place through smart recruitment and playing the best rugby.’
“Logic!!”
Warrington fans aren’t happy that Catalans have ranked higher: “How are Catalan, with their extensive history, in front of Wire?”
Castleford Tigers fans are perhaps the unhappiest after they missed out on half a point due to an error.
Cas fans said: “What’s more concerning is that the loss of 1/2 a point is sufficient to place us outside the top 12.”
Another added: “This is just a blatant excuse for poor management. How have we managed to submit such important data without it being checked over and over again. When half a point can be the difference between 12th and 13th, this is careless and simply isn’t good enough.”
Meanwhile, another made a joke about social media likes: “Trying to avoid posting any knee jerk reactions…I’m gunna blame myself. Didn’t like enough shit on Facebook as I don’t use it. Shame on me.”
